Over the past few months I've become aware that it's taking longer to able to move out of 'Park' on my 1995 X300 when first starting the engine. It's still only about 15 seconds or so and I can wait that long, but I'm just concerned that if things carry on, eventually, it'll be stuck.
There must be some mechanism that prevents movement out of Park until the engine is running, if so, what and where is it?
Incidentally, unlike other autos I've had, I don't have to press the brake pedal to be able to shift out of Park, so it's not that.
Any advice appreciated.

 

My old '88 XJ40 exactly had the same problem and I advise you not to push it down to R or D . Otherwise you might break something . I think some grease would work on it but I can't warranty that for fear of making the things might be even worse than as before
I assume your car is sitting outside whole night than sitting in the garage .

 

Thanks Cadillac. No, my car is kept garaged, though in Spain it can be very dry during the summer. I suspected perhaps a lubrication problem so may try this as a solution.
What's strange though is that it doesn't happen all the time. After the first attempt to get out of Park it's eratic, sometimes won't move then it's fine the rest of the time.
I'm sure there will be a mechanism which prevents movement until the engine is on so I will try to find this and see what I can do with it.
Thanks again.